U.S. alfalfa hay and triticale producers are among those eligible for USDA payments under a program designed to offset the negative financial impacts of ongoing trade and tariff wars. Sign-up for the USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments begins July 29 and runs through Dec. 6, 2019, at USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.

Alfalfa researchers from across the country were the beneficiaries of funding generated by the Alfalfa Checkoff as seven new Alfalfa Checkoff research projects were recently funded. The U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Research Initiative (USAFRI), better known as the Alfalfa Checkoff, recently awarded the fifth round of funding to projects submitted by researchers from across the country. 

With spring planting either delayed or prevented, the USDA’s Crop Acreage report left plenty of questions yet to be answered in 2019. One thing we did learn from the report was that U.S. hay acreage could be at its lowest in 111 years.

It turns out that trying to run over a very large snake with a riding lawnmower might not be the best plan – if you approach it from the tail end first.

Fertilizer is the largest single expense for Western irrigated alfalfa producers. Even at modest rates, fertilizer can easily exceed over $200 per acre annually, with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contributing the largest component.

Numerous studies have concluded that one of the most important influences on dairy farm profitability is forage quality: Higher-quality forage leads to a greater likelihood of a profitable dairy business. But what metrics of forage quality are most important?

A high-quality forage is the foundation for a successful dairy diet. One of the best ways to measure success is to test your forage before and after fermentation. Testing sets the stage for building a complete diet to keep your herd happy and healthy.